Oh, yes, it's ladies night in downtown Naperville
Ladies, picture this: you go shopping and receive discounts of 10, 15, 20, even 70 percent at store after store.
One beauty salon offers a complimentary facial waxing, another offers $5 haircuts.
Merchant after merchant plies you with wine, cheese, chocolate and gifts.
Everything is looking so rosy, you have a psychic give you a reading just for fun.
You pinch yourself as you walk around downtown Naperville this evening and find it's all true. Ladies' Nite Out offers all that and more.
"People absolutely look forward to it. They call to find when the next one is," said Patti Roberts, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, which sponsors the semi-annual celebration.
"It's a fun event," she said. "There's something for everyone, and that includes men."
From 4 to 9 p.m. today, more than 70 stores, restaurants and other businesses will put out the welcome mat to attract larger-than-normal crowds.
Canterbury Shoppe at 175 W. Jackson Ave., for example, will offer a 20 percent discount on any item that includes the color green in honor of fall and the coming holiday season.
"Almost everything we have has something green on it," owner Gail Andrews said.
For early holiday shoppers, the store's Christmas Shop is now open.
"There's a lot of people who get out and start looking around," Andrews said. "We usually get between 100 and 200 people. A normal Thursday night wouldn't be that big."
Shoppers on the prowl for unique gifts might want to check out BAS Gallery at 4 E. Jefferson Ave. In addition to artwork and crafts from around the world, the gallery is having a jewelry trunk show.
If that's not enough, psychic Nancy Wallace, hostess of an Internet radio talk show, will give 10-minute readings for $10.
BAS Gallery employee Mary Derwinski said reservations are recommended for the readings.
"We thought it would be a fun, unique thing to do," she said. "Something you do with your lady friends but not with your husband."
Ladies looking for some pampering might want to head to Amber Waves Salon, 232 S. Washington St. They'll receive a complimentary facial waxing and buy-three-get-one-free deals on certain products, along with enjoying treats, wine and prizes.
The salon is a regular participant in Ladies Night Out, said assistant Anne Cowi.
"We've had great results with it," she said. "We have a lot of return business."
Roseland Draperies & Interiors at 204 S. Washington St. is having a pajama party to encourage customers to check out its new line of luxury bedding. The bedding comes with matching sleepwear.
"Our whole staff will be dressed in pajamas," said Chris Cash, marketing director and designer. "They (customers) can place a special order for them."
Customers also can win a pair of PJs in a pillowcase drawing and munch on "junk food" such as pizza, Cash said.
Shoppers wanting to stock up on bedtime reading material can head over to Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. They'll receive a large canvas bag with a pre-published copy of a book inside, while supplies last.
If you go
What:Ladies Night Out
When:4 to 9 p.m. today
Where:Downtown Naperville along Washington Street, Chicago Avenue, Main Street, Webster Street, Jefferson Avenue and Jackson Avenue
Info:downtownnaperville.com